OPC UA Alternative Object Identifiers for Multi-Model Address Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OPC UA address spaces face challenges in dynamically implementing multiple information models and managing changes that affect existing NodeIDs, as conventional namespaces are static and require replicating nodes or instances.

Innovation Solution

A new addressing scheme using alternative object identifiers that combine conventional identifiers with additional identifiers, allowing flexible representation and access to objects or nodes in different contexts without requiring additional computing or memory resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional namespaces are used to structure the address space, then the address space can be organized and divided, but implementing multiple information models for the same data set requires replicating nodes to another namespace, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to implement multiple information modelsVSAvoidcomplexity of address space structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identifier into multiple parts: a conventional NodeID and an additional information model identifier. This segmentation allows the same physical node to be accessed through multiple different identifiers, each representing a different information model context, without requiring physical replication of nodes across namespaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the address space structure universal by enabling a single node to serve multiple information models simultaneously. The additional identifier component allows the same NodeID to function in different contextual representations (e.g., different semantic models, view types), eliminating the need for separate namespace replication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If nodes are replicated to another namespace to implement multiple information models, then multiple representations are achieved, but additional computing and memory resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple representations of data setVSAvoidmemory resources required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating physical copies of node instances in memory across multiple namespaces, the patent creates logical copies through identifier variation. The same underlying node data is referenced multiple times through different identifier combinations (NodeID + additional identifier), providing multiple representations without duplicating the actual data in memory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If nodes are replicated to implement multiple information models, then different contexts are supported, but the server requires additional computing resources to manage the replicated nodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for different contextsVSAvoidcomputing resources consumed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the node identification function with the information model context into a single identifier structure. By combining the conventional NodeID with an additional identifier component, the system achieves context-specific access to the same underlying node data, consolidating what would otherwise require separate node instances and their associated computing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conventional NodeIDs are used, then unique identification is achieved, but changes to the address space affecting existing NodeIDs can cause address or identifier collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunique identification of nodesVSAvoidflexibility to make changes to address space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds another dimension to the identifier space by appending an additional identifier component to the conventional NodeID. This creates a multi-dimensional identification system where the first dimension (NodeID) ensures unique node identification, and the second dimension (additional identifier) provides context-specific differentiation, allowing changes in one dimension without affecting the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4035342B1Methods for providing and validating alternative object identifiers and for determining references of alternative object identifiers within an opc-ua-based communication environment

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for providing alternative object identifiers for objects of an address space of a server (S1, S2) within an OPC-UA-based communication environment (K), wherein each object of the address space of the server (S1, S2) is clearly identified by a conventional object identifier, wherein at least one additional identifier is defined and stored in a register of additional identifiers defined for this address space of the server (S1, S2), and wherein an alternative object identifier also clearly identifying the object is formed for each object of the address space of the server (S1, S2), whereby the additional identifier is combined with the conventional object identifier of the respective object according to a determined system. The invention also relates to a method for validating alternative object identifiers and a method for determining references of object identifiers, as well as a server, a system and a computer program product designed to carry out at least one of the methods.